Lionel Messi now leads the all-time World Cup goalscoring list with 18 goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose's record. Messi scored five goals in the 2026 World Cup and is Argentina's all-time leading scorer with 122 goals, having participated in every World Cup since 2006.
Kylian Mbappé, on the rise with 16 goals, tied for second, scored a hat trick in the 2022 final and has four goals in 2026. He stands alongside Miroslav Klose, who also scored 16 goals during his World Cup career.
Ronaldo of Brazil follows with 15 goals, known for his profound impact on the game and his long-standing legacy. Gerd Müller from Germany scored 14, dominating the 1970 World Cup with an impressive ten goals in a single tournament.
Just Fontaine, who netted all 13 of his goals in the 1958 World Cup, still holds the record for most goals in a single tournament. Pelé, renowned for his scoring prowess, tallied 12 goals across four World Cups.
The history continues with legends like Jürgen Klinsmann and Sándor Kocsis, each achieving remarkable 11-goal milestones.